Columbus is growing. Ohio is shrinking. What can we do about it?
The future of our great state – and its two distinct stories – has been in our minds in recent months. We want to hear from you for what is else for ohio
Pat Tiberi is the president and CEO of the Ohio Business Roundtable. Baiju Shah is the President and CEO of the Great Partnership Cleveland. Gary Lindgren is the president of the Cincinnati Business Committee. Jason Hall is the Director General of Columbus Partnership.
Editor’s Note: What do you think I need Ohio for a prosperous future for the whole state? Tell us in a letter to the editor of 200 words or less sent by email to letters@dispatch.com. Include your full name, address and phone number of the day with your submission.
Ohio is experiencing an economic rebirth, creating new jobs and opportunities throughout the state.
In recent years, we have provided transformative investments – from the semiconductor production of Intel to the LG/Honda battery factory to the expansion of Ford plants, and from an increase in data centers built by Meta, Google, Amazon and Microsoft up to major advances in air space production, protection and energy with the production of GE Aviation, and Job
These wins, driven by climate and Ohio business -friendly strategic investments, have made our state a national leader in economic development.
However, with this increase new challenges come. To support this moment and OHO positioning for long -term success, we must now act to address pressing needs in the development of energy, housing and workforce.
As leaders of the CEO Ohio leader alliance, representing the four main business groups led by CEO of Ohio-business in Ohio, Cincinnati Business Committee, Columbus Partnership and Partnership Cleveland calling for policymakers to take crucial actions in the current priorities in the current process. Ohio remains competitive for decades to come.
Energy must be reliable to support growth
After decades of stagnation, the demand for energy in the US is expected to increase, including a 50% increase in OHO’s peak demand by 2034. With the increase in electricity demand, OHIO faces potential lack of energy within two years – threatening future investments and economic stability.
The Ohio Business Energy Energy Competition Study describes a strategy of everything to strengthen the state’s energy infrastructure. Policymakers should accelerate the new energy generation using both renewable and abundant natural ohio gas, facilitate regulations to allow key users to develop energy solutions in the country and lead to new energy and network technologies.
Lack of housing should be addressed to support the growth of workforce
A severe shortage of housing is making it harder for workers-especially middle-class families-live near their jobs. To meet the demand, we support the expansion of the state -income tax loan loan, by responsibly reducing zoning barriers and accelerating the conversion of existing buildings into housing. These steps will ensure that Ohio workforce can grow alongside its economy.
Our education system must build talent for the future
Ohio’s competition depends on a capable workforce prepared for the high -tech industry. Through Excels Ohio, we are working to improve the literacy and mathematics of K-12, expand our career-related teaching, strengthen the school choice, we do post-accessible education and invest in high-skill workers with technology credentials. We encourage state leaders to accelerate the efforts that provide Ohioans for high -pay, high -rise careers, especially in the emblem fields and that led by him.
Innovation should be used to run the economy
Ohio’s positioning as a market -driven innovation leader is essential to accelerate growth.
While R&D activity matches national averages, the state delays in translating innovation into economic influence. Strengthening financial investments in innovation centers, public-private partnerships and commercialization programs will help start the scale, withdrawal of corporate R&D and car progress technologies.
The moment for action is now
Ohio’s economy is growing, but continued success is not guaranteed.
Our state has experienced decades of population stagnation and the slow growth of GDP, losing the representation of Congress every decade for 60 years. While the latest economic profits are promising, we cannot allow complacency.
We stand at a key moment – one where bold action can strengthen Ohio status as a national leader in economic development and job growth. The priorities of the policy described above will ensure energy reliability, workforce readiness, housing availability, and increased innovation-insurance of long-term prosperity for all Ohioans.
The Alliance of the Director General of Ohio is committed to working together with Governor Mike Dewine and the state lawmakers to advance these efforts.
Now is the time to act.
Pat Tiberi is the president and CEO of the Ohio Business Roundtable. Baiju Shah is the President and CEO of the Great Partnership Cleveland. Gary Lindgren is the president of the Cincinnati Business Committee. Jason Hall is the Director General of Columbus Partnership.